The age fallacy

They say we should respect our elders. I have no problem with that. But I will not show anyone respect that uses condescension as a persuasion tactic. You think I’m selfish? You call me a sociopath? Yes, I will certainly listen to your obviously superior rhetoric. You think I’m too young to have beliefs? That I’m somehow inferior to you because my opinion differs from yours? Guess what. I still have a vote, an equal voice. You think I stole a vote from your candidate? I didn’t realize it was his to give, or yours to dictate. No, I think you just didn’t realize–perhaps you have forgotten because of your advanced age–that young people are not easily swayed by rude, old people. I will gladly engage you in a logical discussion, but I will not tolerate belligerence.

3 Comments

Janelle
7 November 2012 at 6:30 pm

I get what you’re saying, and I can’t say I disagree with you. There is something that bothers me about this, though, that I can’t quite place. I guess I would just say that no one should let someone else’s rudeness and disrespect rob him or her of being kind?

Well, you know me. I’m a fairly patient guy. But this happens much too often. And I think I have the right to be angry when somebody I am expected to respect suggests I am a selfish sociopath simply because I’m a Libertarian. Remind me the next time you come over and I’ll show you what I’m talking about.